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‘I’m Listening’ – 2019 FEATURED GUESTS

Help End the Stigma of Talking About Mental Health on Sun. Sept. 8 at 7 AM

On Sunday September 8, all Entercom radio stations across the country will mark the start of National Suicide Prevention Week with a special commercial-free broadcast of I’m Listening, a two-hour program dedicated to ending the stigma of talking about mental health.

At 7 AM local time on your favorite RADIO.COM station, you can call-in live and join artists, athletes, and medical professionals for an in-depth conversation about mental health and suicide prevention.

Entercom Los Angeles stations will also be airing a special edition of Openline from 6 AM -7 AM, hosted by Tami Heide, with special guests Dr. Kita Curry from the Didi Hirsch Mental Health Center, Assembly Member Wendy Carrillo, and a representative of the National Alliance of Mental Illness. After the national program has concluded at 9 AM, stick around for an important discussion with host Yesi Ortiz who will be accompanied by relationship expert Dr. Chris Donaghue, licensed psychologist Dr. Milo Dodson, and Bamby Salcedo, a transgender Latina advocating for LGBTQ rights. Listeners are encouraged to call in Sunday morning and share their stories during these programs at (833) 7-LISTEN.

Mental health issues affect over 40-million Americans, with suicide being the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34, regardless of race, religion, and sexual orientation.

Prior to Sunday’s show, please SHARE YOUR STORY on how mental health or suicide has impacted your life. Select stories will be included in the broadcast.

Featured guests joining this year’s show include:

Lizzo

Photo credit Getty

2019 has been a breakout year for Lizzo, unleashing her empowering album, Cuz I Love You, and climbing the charts with anthems like “Truth Hurts” and “Juice.” The singer has become a symbol for self-love, while still remaining honest about her own struggles with mental health.

Solomon Thomas

Solomon Thomas is a Defensive End for the San Francisco 49ers, drafted #3 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. He has been very open about his battle with depression following the death of his sister, who took her own life in 2018. Solomon says that becoming an advocate for mental health has been part of his healing process.

Tegan and Sara

Photo credit Getty

Twin rock star sisters from Canada, Tegan and Sara are on the verge of releasing their 9th studio album, Hey, I’m Just Like You on September 27. Through it all they have been fighting for the health and representation of girls and women in the LGBTQ community with their Tegan and Sara Foundation.

Dr. Christine Moutier

Dr. Moutier is the Chief Medical Officer of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, helping to raise awareness and provide resources for those affected by suicide. Throughout her career she has worked with healthcare leaders to change the approach to mental health, fighting stigma and providing proper care for those suffering from mental health conditions.

Shawn Mendes

Photo credit RADIO.COM

Shawn Mendes is currently making his way across the country on tour, backed by the strength of his most recent self-titled album. The singer was nominated for a GRAMMY this year for his song, “In My Blood,” which he wrote about his own fight with anxiety. He recently launched The Shawn Mendes Foundation, hoping to evoke positive change.

Halsey

Photo credit Getty

Halsey has been an advocate as long as she has been a star, sharing the story of her “constant battle” every step of the way towards a number one album. “Your experiences with mental health are a journey, not a destination," she has explained to RADIO.COM, always vocally supportive and strong on stage and off.

Disturbed

Photo credit Getty

Disturbed released their seventh album, Evolution, in October. It includes the number one rock song, “A Reason To Fight,” which has become an anthem of support for those battling addiction and mental health issues. It became the centerpiece of their Evolution Tour, as the band stopped each night for a message of hope, providing resources on how you can find the help you need. It is a call to arms and a hand extended to all those fighting their own demons.

Chris Hubbard

Chris Hubbard is an Offensive Tackle, currently playing with the Cleveland Browns. He has partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, after going through his own struggles. He hopes to tear down the stigma that men, especially of color, must internalize their battles with anxiety rather than asking for help.

Lauren Jauregui

Photo credit Sony

After years thrilling fans in Fifth Harmony, Lauren Jauregui is set to release her debut album in 2020. The early examples have been outstanding, and her fans can’t wait to unwrap the whole thing. In the past year, not only has Jauregui detailed the ups and downs of her own anxiety and depression, but she has spoken to teens about the dangers of cyberbullying, hoping to make social media a place of inclusion.

Michael Ray

Photo credit Getty

Country singer Michael Ray’s star continues to rise, returning to the top ten yet again this year with, “One That Got Away.” Ray has also dealt with debilitating anxiety throughout his career, recently opening up about his issues in hopes of inspiring others.

Blink-182

Photo credit Getty

Blink-182 is just days away from the ninth studio album, NINE. The band is also currently touring the country and celebrating the 20th anniversary of their landmark album Enema Of The State. From the early days of “Adam’s Song,” the pop punk band has been outspoken about mental health, with frontman Mark Hoppus recently opening up about his own depression.

Korn

Photo credit Sébastien Paquet

Korn is back with their new album The Nothing, arriving on September 13. The band has always been a beacon for those suffering, and frontman Jonathan Davis has been a loud advocate for mental health. It’s a position that was tested and strengthened after the death of his estranged wife in 2018, who struggled with mental illness and addiction. Davis and the band continue to be very vocal about the importance of asking for help.

Judah & the Lion

Photo credit Getty

In May, Judah & the Lion released their third album Pep Talks, tackling tough subjects like divorce and substance abuse. Frontman Judah Akers has been very candid about his own struggles with mental health, using music to tackle some of the tough issues in his own life.

Skillet

Photo credit Joseph Cultice

In August, Skillet released their 10th studio album, the uplifting and hard-charging Victorious. Its title track of the same name was influenced by the untimely death of Chester Bennington, and Skillet’s John Cooper spent time crafting poignant lyrics that would send a message of hope to anyone who may feel similar lows. Having never toured with Linkin Park, Skillet hopes this track will #MakeChesterProud.

James Arthur

Photo credit Getty

British singer James Arthur has been an open advocate for mental health since his first days in the spotlight, regularly talking about his struggles with anxiety and panic attacks. The “Say You Won’t Let Go” singer continues to share his story in hopes to inspire people to ask for the help they need.

Badflower

Los Angeles rock band Badflower has had an instant impact, releasing their debut album, OK, I’M SICK, earlier this year. The band tackles issues of abuse, suicide, and mental health throughout their music, remaining open with their own experiences to fuel their art and the conversation.

Dr. Ursula Whiteside

Photo credit NowMattersNow.org

Dr. Ursula Whiteside is a licensed clinical psychologist and the CEO of NowMattersNow.org, an organization that helps people through shared stories and mindfulness. Whiteside is a leading researcher, dealing with high-risk patients and working to develop programs to change how we approach mental health. She is also a founding board member of United Suicide Survivors International and a member of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Standards Trainings and Practices Committee.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety, know that someone is always there.